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As we approach the New Year, the Promise Contracts are dusted off. The dates are changed to protect ourselves from our innocently attempted resolution failures of the previous year. Some people make a plethora of well intentioned vows, hoping at least some of them will be achieved. By making enough resolutions they hope to raise the odds in their favor of being partially successful. It is not coincidental how similar the new wave of goals is to last year’s pledges. To some people, the failed goals of the previous year enter their minds with a vengeance. Self-issued guilt takes stage right, while depression takes stage left. Due to New Year’s Resolutions, we become a theatrical display of hopeful dreams.
Resolutions are just another way to point to past failures. Rumor has it that only eight percent of recited goals will be achieved. Yet, even with those odds, many still attempt to make them. The first week is met with anticipatory excitement, but by the end of the second week there are small and discreet challenges to the resolutions. To the resolutionist, there are exclusion clauses in their New Year’s Resolution contract. Almost immediately, the rationalization and justification for the weakening of one of the promises is released. By the end of the third week, if they have not already resigned to failure, they struggle to keep their footing. By the end of the month, reality sets in and the “goal setter” decides to wake from their fantasy expectations and carry on with the every day challenges of life.
Looking at this from a Christian perspective, we see many promises made to God fall short of completion. Our intent is commendable, but our lack of discipline and commitment opens the door to Satan’s attacks. When TV snuffs our quality time in the Word, Satan will help us justify our lack of adherence due to circumstances. We must realize that the only thing in life which we can do anything about is our immediate situation. Jesus, in His teachings, made it clear that we are not to be preoccupied with tomorrow, but rather to center on the here and now. (Matthew 6:34) Instead of promising to do something down the road, we need to do it NOW! Instead of vowing to read through the Bible next year, start with Genesis 1 today. Instead of pledging to get up everyday at 6:00 AM to pray, start doing it today; for we do not know what tomorrow holds. (James 4:14) Instead of saying we are going to fast every Thursday, start with the day that we occupy. The reason so many goals fail to be achieved is we are looking at days that do not belong to us. As we get up in the morning, we should simply say, “If the Lord will, we shall live and do this, or that.” (James 4:15)
Let us not fall for the trap of promising something over which we have no control. Instead of trying to impress God with our spiritual New Year’s Resolutions, we need to just serve Him RIGHT NOW, and continue to take one step at a time toward our finish line that could appear at any time.
Have a great and wonderful New Year….ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!
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